Word: Impact

Pronunciation

/ˈɪmpækt/

Definitions

• Noun: A powerful effect or influence that something has on another thing or person. For instance: “The pandemic had a significant impact on global economies.”

  • Phrase: “make an impact” which means to have a strong effect or influence. Example: “Her research made a profound impact on the field of medicine.”

  Example sentence (noun): The new policy will have a major impact on how we conduct our business operations.

• Verb: To have a strong effect or influence on someone or something; to collide with or strike forcefully. Example: “The falling tree impacted the roof of the house.”

  Example sentence (verb): The new technology is expected to impact the way people communicate globally.

Phrases

• “Environmental impact”: The effect that human activities have on the environment.
• “Impact on”: To refer to the effect or influence one thing has upon another.
• “Low-impact exercise”: Exercise that puts minimal stress on joints and muscles.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The company’s expansion plans could have a positive impact on job creation in the region.”
• Verb: “The new law will impact how businesses handle data privacy.”

Synonyms

• Effect
• Influence
• Consequence
• Result
• Collision (when used as a verb referring to physical contact)
• Strike (when used as a verb referring to physical contact)

Note: While “impact” can be used as a verb to describe having an effect, some traditionalists argue it should only be used as a noun in this context, preferring verbs like “affect” or “influence.” However, its usage as a verb has become increasingly accepted in modern English.